“The main focus of the the New York Center for Art and Media Studies (NYCAMS) undergraduate art program was to discover our students’ potential, develop new skills and introduce them to various fields within the art world. The group experience of the Scrollathon, as well as interacting with the Ladd brothers, opened up many possibilities for reflection on what art means and how it can have such a positive impact on society. The act of scrolling pieces of fabric is therapeutic and it also shows that art as a simple gesture is so inspiring to nurture creativity and build community.”( John Silvis, Founder of NYCAMS)

John Silvis was the founder and director of NYCAMS from 2004-2013. NYCAMS offered art, design, and writing residencies to both undergraduate students and post-baccalaureate fellows, providing them with opportunities to hone their skills in the center of New York’s pulsating art world. Combining quality studio and classroom experiences with exposure to professional artists, galleries, and organizations (via internships, guest lectures, and studio visits), NYCAMS supported strong studio practices within a creative environment. Each student was offered an internship with a New York-based artist, gallery, and/or arts organization, culminating in an exhibition of the resident’s work. Writers prepared selections for public readings and had opportunities to collaborate with professionals throughout the semester. Semesters culminated with student group exhibitions. 

In addition to residency and student shows, NYCAMS hosts numerous performances, lectures, film screenings and group exhibitions at its gallery space each year. Recent exhibitions included “Coming and Going,” curated by Donald Johnson-Montenegro, “Swiss Bliss,” curated by Chris Larson, College Art Association Regional B.F.A. Exhibition, curated by John Silvis, and “Nexus,” curated by Brent Dickinson.